Full Answer
How do I select a CAM therapy or practitioner?
Before selecting a CAM therapy or practitioner, talk with all your health care providers. Tell them about the therapy you are considering and ask any questions you may have. They may know about the therapy and be able to advise you on its safety, use, and effectiveness, or possible interactions with medications.
What are neuromuscular disorders?
When the neurons become unhealthy or die, communication between the nervous system and muscles breaks down. As a result, muscles weaken and waste away (atrophy). There are many neuromuscular disorders, and treatment by an experienced multidisciplinary team, such as the one at Cedars-Sinai's Neuromuscular Disorders Program, is vital.
Is there a cure for neuromuscular disorders?
Currently there is no cure for neuromuscular disorders. Research is being done on genetic therapies and new medications in hopes of finding a cure. Treating symptoms, delaying disease progression and enhancing quality of life for patients is accomplished with medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and, when necessary, surgery.
Where can I find professional organizations for Cam therapists?
Professional organizations for CAM therapists often provide referrals to practitioners as well as information on therapies, standards of practice and training, and state licensing requirements. These organizations can be located by searching the Internet or directories in libraries (ask the librarian).
Defne Audrey Amado, MD, PHD
Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Eric Lancaster, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
What is the most common sign of neuromuscular disease?
Neuromuscular diseases affect the function of muscles due to problems with the nerves and muscles in your body. The most common sign of these diseases is muscle weakness.
What is the role of a doctor in clinical research?
Doctors are active in clinical and laboratory research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with neuromuscular diseases. Read about research in neuromuscular diseases and ALS.
When do neuromuscular disorders start?
Some neuromuscular disorders have symptoms that begin in infancy, while others may appear in childhood or even adulthood. Symptoms will depend on the type of neuromuscular disorder and the areas of the body that are affected.
What does a physician do when examining a patient?
A physician will examine the patient and take a medical and family history. Checking a patient’s reflexes and muscle strength, as well as evaluating other symptoms, may lead a physician to order other diagnostic tests, including:
What is the purpose of MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and spinal cord. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check cerebrospinal fluid. Electromyography (EMG) to record the electrical activity of each muscle. Nerve conduction studies to see how well signals travel from nerve to muscle.